Immigration

Do I need a Visa or Study Permit?

If you are planning to study in Canada for less than six months, you may enter the country as a visitor. Visitors from some countries will need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. If you are planning to study in Canada for more than six months, you will need to obtain a Study Permit for your period of study.

Before arriving in Canada

Temporary Resident Visa:
Students are advised to visit the Citizenship and Immigration website to determine if they need a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada for studies of 6 months or less.

Study Permit:
Students intending to study in Canada for more than 6 months will be required to obtain a Study Permit. The English Language Institute will issue a Letter of Acceptance for students studying in any full-time English language program. This letter can be submitted when applying for a Temporary Resident Visa or a Study Permit.

York University’s School for Continuing Studies is located in Toronto, Ontario and serves the GTA including Vaughan, Markham, Brampton, Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa, Whitby and Ajax. We offer a degree pathway for working students, degree preparation courses including English academic preparation, professional certificates and post-graduate certificates to international students as well as non-traditional students from across Canada.